Rational plough arrangement for plowing with turnover of the soil layer

Abstract

The method of basic tillage in the form of dump plowing continues to be dominant in the cultivation of agricultural crops, so plows are being improved in many directions. In some models of ploughs, a full rotation of soil layers, an alternative direction of their rotation, smooth adjustment of the width of the grip, various ways of alternating left-and right-hand working bodies, and many more variations are used. The aim of the study is to summarize the latest achievements in these areas in order to design a rational plow. A rational design should combine the best performance indicators for the quality of work and energy costs as well as ease of maintenance and management of the arable unit. The proposed scheme of a hinged rotary plow can be considered rational, since it performs plowing with high quality at the level of agricultural technology. It provides a smooth state of the plowed surface, a full turn of the layers, deep burying of all plant residues and weed seeds in the soil, and aligns the ridges on the surface layer of the soil. Power consumption during plowing is reduced due to the absence of coulters, field boards, reduced plow weight and accurate orientation of the thrust force vector. The management of the ploughing unit is facilitated by automating the rotation of the working bodies, the absence of idle crossings across the field, reducing the length of the plough, the absence of side loads, as well as by more convenient adjustments.